The ACM Master Graduation Ceremony 2023/2024

On 21 November 2024, the new Rome campus of Accademia Costume & Moda came alive with emotions, smiles, and applause during the Graduation Ceremony for the First Level Academic Masters for the 2023/2024 academic year. It was not just an academic milestone but a collective celebration shared with students, families, faculty, and the vibrant ACM community.

The Master Program in Alta Moda, Fashion Design; Accessories Design; Fabrics Innovation Design and The Art and Craft of the Costume Designer reached their conclusion, presenting the world with a new generation of creatives and innovators ready to make their mark.

From the moment you entered the campus, the excitement was palpable. The modern, welcoming spaces of the new facility seemed to hum with life, adorned with garments, accessories, and textiles that told the story of the students’ creative journeys. But what made the atmosphere truly unique was the sense of family that permeated every corner, every smile, and every embrace.

Families, who had travelled from all corners of the world, were integral to the celebration. They proudly watched their sons and daughters reap the rewards of months of dedication and passion. Alongside them, classmates—who had become close friends—shared laughter and memories, a testament to how the ACM community is far more than just a place of learning.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the speech by Paulina Valdez Romero, who represented the ACM student body with great dignity and warmth. Paulina spoke about inclusivity, describing it as the beating heart of the Academy, and about how ACM is not just a school but a family, where cultural, personal, and artistic differences come together to create something extraordinary.

“We have learned that talent flourishes where there is support and where people feel welcomed,” Paulina said, her voice charged with emotion. Her words resonated deeply with everyone present, a reminder that the true value of education lies not only in technical skills but in the ability to forge meaningful and lasting connections.

The evening continued with a special conversation featuring two ACM alumni: Catia Luciani, Material Research and LG Coordinator Director at Fendi, and Stefano Canulli, a renowned illustrator and Costume Designer.

Moderated by ACM’s President, Lupo Lanzara, the conversation was an inspiring and practical moment of reflection. Catia and Stefano shared memories of their years at the Academy, describing them as a time of discovery and experimentation that was crucial to their careers.

Their insights into the future captivated the new graduates. Both alumni offered valuable advice on navigating the challenges of the professional world, providing practical tips and suggestions for the first steps in a career.

Behind the success of every student are wise and passionate mentors. The directors of the various Master programmes deserve special thanks for their tireless commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring their students: Santo Costanzo, director of the Alta Moda, Fashion Design Master; Luigi Mulas Debois, leading the Accessories Design Master; Erika D’Arcangelo, through the Fabrics Innovation Design Master; Andrea Viotti, director of The Art and Craft of the Costume Designer Master, shared his passion for storytelling through costumes, celebrating the union of tradition and modernity.

To them, and to the entire faculty, we extend our warmest gratitude for their work—not only as educators but as mentors and supporters.

The Graduation Ceremony marked a new beginning for ACM students, who are now ready to bring to the world what they have learned—not just technical skills, but values like inclusivity, family, and creativity.

They are equipped to create beauty, innovate, and tell stories that will inspire future generations. This is not just a farewell but the start of a greater mission: to transform the fashion and design landscape with the power of ideas and emotions.

Good luck, dear graduates. Your journey is just beginning.